Last Tuesday, I walked into my classroom at 7:15 AM feeling like I'd already run a marathon. My coffee maker had broken, Marcus couldn't find his soccer cleats, and I'd forgotten to charge my phone overnight. Sound familiar?

By the time my fourth graders shuffled in at 8:05, I was already frazzled. And you know what? They could smell it on me like sharks smell blood in the water. Little Sofia asked if I was okay, and honestly, I wasn't sure how to answer.

That's when I knew something had to change.

The Wake-Up Call I Didn't Want

After 22 years in the classroom, you'd think I'd have my mornings figured out. But somewhere between surviving budget cuts, new standards, and the general chaos of teaching in Florida, I'd lost my way.

I used to be the teacher who arrived early, organized and ready. Now I was showing up feeling reactive instead of proactive. My students deserved better. Heck, I deserved better.

So I did what any desperate teacher does. I called my mentor, Mrs. Rodriguez, who taught me everything about classroom management back when I was a rookie.

"Mija," she said, "you can't pour from an empty cup. What are you doing to fill yours each morning?"

The answer was nothing. Absolutely nothing.

The Game-Changing Discovery

Mrs. Rodriguez shared something that changed everything: a simple 10-minute morning routine she'd been using for decades. Not some complicated wellness program or meditation app, just ten minutes of intentional preparation.

"It's not about having more time," she explained. "It's about using the time you have differently."

She was right. I was already getting to school early, but I was using those precious minutes to frantically shuffle papers and worry about the day ahead.

My New 10-Minute Sanity Saver

Here's the routine that pulled me back from the brink:

Minutes 1-3: Breathe and Set Intention I sit at my desk, take five deep breaths, and ask myself one question: "What kind of teacher do I want to be today?" Not what I need to accomplish, but who I want to be for my kids.

Some days it's "patient and encouraging." Other days it's "energetic and fun." Having that intention guides everything else.

Minutes 4-6: Quick Classroom Scan I do a fast walk around my room, not to clean or organize, but to notice. Is the reading corner inviting? Are yesterday's anchor charts still relevant? Does the space feel welcoming?

This isn't about perfection. It's about awareness. When I'm aware of my environment, I feel more in control.

Minutes 7-10: Connect with My Why I look at the photos on my desk. Not just my family photos, but the class pictures from previous years. I remember why I'm here. For kids like Miguel, who finally understood fractions last spring. For Emma, who found her voice through our writing workshop.

Then I write one word on a sticky note and put it on my computer monitor. Words like "patience," "joy," or "curiosity." It's my North Star for the day.

The Resistance (Because There's Always Resistance)

Let me be honest. The first week was rough. My brain kept screaming about all the things I "should" be doing instead. Ay, dios mio, the guilt was real.

But here's what I learned: those frantic morning minutes weren't actually productive. I was just spinning my wheels and calling it preparation.

The routine felt selfish at first. Ten whole minutes not grading papers or setting up activities? But then I noticed something amazing happening.

The Ripple Effect

When I started my days centered and intentional, everything shifted. My voice was calmer during morning announcements. I noticed when Jacob was having a rough morning before he melted down. I actually enjoyed teaching again instead of just surviving it.

My students noticed too. "Mrs. Santos, you seem happy today," became a regular comment. And you know what? I was.

The routine also helped me handle the unexpected better. When the fire alarm went off during our math test last month, I didn't lose my cool. When we got that email about another new initiative, I took a breath before reacting.

Making It Work for You

Your 10 minutes might look different than mine, and that's perfect. Maybe you need to review your lesson plans to feel prepared. Maybe you need to listen to music or call a friend.

The key is consistency and intention. Pick three things that help you feel grounded and stick with them for at least two weeks.

Here are some ideas other teachers in our building have shared:

• Writing three things you're grateful for
• Doing gentle stretches at your desk
• Reading something inspiring (not work-related)
• Organizing one small area completely
• Reviewing your class roster and thinking about each child

When Life Happens (Because It Always Does)

Some mornings, ten minutes feels impossible. Last week, I had a parent conference that ran long and only had three minutes before the bell.

On those days, I do the abbreviated version: three deep breaths and one intention word. That's it. Something is always better than nothing.

Remember, we're not aiming for perfection here. We're aiming for sanity.

The Best Part

The most surprising benefit? My family noticed the change too. When I'm not rushing out the door feeling scattered, I'm more present at home. Carlos even commented that I seem less stressed lately.

"You're like the teacher I married again," he said last weekend. And honestly, that meant everything.

Your Turn

I challenge you to try this for just one week. Pick your three activities, set your alarm ten minutes earlier if needed, and protect those minutes like they're gold.

Because here's the truth: our students need us to show up as our best selves. Not perfect, but centered. Not superhuman, but intentional.

We can't control everything that happens in our classrooms, but we can control how we prepare our hearts and minds each morning. And sometimes, that makes all the difference.

What will your 10-minute routine look like? I'd love to hear about it. We're all in this together, and every small step toward sanity is worth celebrating.

Now go fill that cup, teacher. Your students are counting on it.